EU-India: trade agreement negotiations are concluded

The EU and India concluded negotiations on for a free trade agreement (FTA) on 27 January.

Sensitive European agricultural sectors will be fully protected, sugar is excluded from liberalisation in the agreement. According to the European Commission, Indian imports will continue to have to respect the EU's strict health and food safety rules.

The agreement has a dedicated trade and sustainable development chapter. Many of the commitments on Trade and Sustainable Development are legally binding and enforceable through a dedicated consultation mechanism. The mechanism will provide an avenue to address labour, environmental and gender equality issues in a sustainable and inclusive matter, so that improvement is achieved on the ground, and not just on paper.

The next steps on the EU side are:

1. Publication of the negotiated draft texts

2. Legal revision and translation into all official EU languages

3. Propose the agreement to the EU Council for the signature and conclusion

4. Adoption by the EU Council

5. Signing of the agreement between the EU and India

6. European Parliament's agreement to the deal

7. The Council's decision on concluding the deal (essentially allowing it to enter into force)

Once India also ratifies the Agreement, it can enter into force.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_184

Contact: Lebo Mofolo, lmofolo@frucom.eu